Reality Shows can either make or break a talent. We wrote about it in our last article about reality TV shows here on Xplore. Talents can be projected or they can get consumed with all the glitz and pressure that comes with reality TV. Some of them branch out from wanting money to starting something else and slowly making the money they need and also being impactful in the entertainment industry, others are forgotten as soon as they step out of the house.
There are a few Nigerian actors that have made a name for themselves from Reality TV to Superstardom.
Check Them Out;
1. Gideon Okeke:
Big Brother Nigeria was where this incredible actor started from. I watch Gideon and was amazed by his talent his ability to go from the dominating male (Philip in Tinsel) to the razz guy in ‘Gbomo Gbomo Express’. He also expresses a different side of himself to us in ‘A Place in The Stars.’ He is not a stoic character and he has found a niche, moving beyond the red carpet-loving reality star to a very talented actor that has received two nominations at the AMVCA.
2. Tonto Dike:
The biggest and most popular export of reality TV. Tonto was a runner-up from the Next Movie Star reality show but that was just a boost. She has featured in over fifty movies and even ventured into the music industry.
3. OC Ukeje:
OC was not interested in being a movie star. He wanted to sing! That sounded odd the first time I heard it. I could not picture him as a singer. Would he have gone the Phyno way or be more like Timi Dakolo? We will never know but OC’s interest was in music until he was advised to concentrate on what will work for him and it was acting. OC won the AMBO reality show. He has featured in great films such as ‘Confusion Nawa’ (2011) and the recently acclaimed ‘Ayanda’ (2015). OC is also an AMVCA winner with three nominations to his name. Reality shows are not that terrible after all.
4. Belinda Effah:
Belinda Effah featured in Shallow Waters but she took a break to go for the Next Movie Star reality Show. She finished fifth but it did not deter her, Belinda has featured in over twenty movies. Most recently, we watched her in Fine Girl and Bambitious. She won the Most Promising Act Award at the AMAA 2013 and last year, she got an AMVCA nomination for her turn in Stop.
5. Bayray Mcwizu:
On the list of my top five favorite actresses, Bayray has a spot. She is also a winner of the AMBO reality series. She features mostly in low budget productions and yet, we can feel her dedication to her craft. She is fantastic in every production. Cindy’s Note her AMBO winning project is still her best effort but she got critical acclaim for her role in The Visit starring beside Nse Ikpe Etim, whom I thought would out do Bayray’s performance but Bayray was able to prove her worth as an actor.
Lydia Forson:
This Ghanaian starlet brings great humor to her productions. Her performance in Kunle Afolayan’s Phone Swap is what launched her in the Nigerian market but Lydia like the others on the list is a product of a reality show. She made an appearance as a contestant in The Next Movie Star. She is a winner of the highly coveted Africa Movie Academy Awards.
Lesson learnt: Take the opportunity, if it does not turn gold, it can lead to gold.
